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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Allen Iverson awarded 'Game Changer' award at first ever NBA Player Awards

The NBA Players Association held its first ever Player Awards on Tuesday evening, giving the league's players an opportunity to weigh in on distribution of awards. The players opinions do not always match that of the media's, as demonstrated by the players' selection of James Harden as MVP, not Steph Curry, who won the actual award.

Towards the end of the event there was a nice tribute to Allen Iverson, who was subsequently presented with the 2015 Game Changer Award.

It was a great moment for Iverson, who credited Michael Jordan for inspiring him to want to be a basketball player. A.I. said that the award was particularly special to him because it generated from the respect of his peers, who continue to mount praise on the point pioneer.

Even it retirement, it is clear how much 'The Answer' resonates with the league's current crop. While he didn't achieve the same on-court success, Iverson's off-court impact is comparable to that of his idol, Jordan. His crowning as the inaugural 'Game Changer' is fitting, as he truly did change the game, both on and off the court.

While Iverson continues to have his detractors, the critics that matter most to him, and are best equipped to judge his game - his peers - continue to appreciate his excellence, as evidenced at the Player Awards.

Image via BET

Even in retirement, the former Sixers star continues to rack up recognition. As for his life post-basketball, Iverson had a simple message: "Same fight, different round."

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